need new washer and dryer-what to get?

[DisneyDude61]

We are redoing our laundry room, and I am getting a new washer and dryer. I was looking at the LG, but I am really clueless
Can anyone tell me about the front loading washers? are they good or bad? do you like them? also I am thinking of getting a steam dryer. any comments or thoughts?
TIA

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

We will be in your shoes very soon. Washer and dryer and almost 17 years old and giving me a headache, mostly the dryer but the washer is tiny. We bought it when it was just the 2 of us, now with 3 kids I want something that holds more then 6 towels at a time. When they go they will be gone, not fixed. I hear LG is great and where I am leaning.

Don't buy yet though if you can hold off. They are doing Cash for Clunkers for appliances and washers are one being offered (in our state anyway, I believe it varies state to state.)

 

[punkin]

All I can say is my front loading LG just broke and it is only 4 years old. The motor blew completely. It did clean the clothes great as long as it worked.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

LG websit recommends that the washers be installed on a reinforced floor because the vibrate a lot.
I got the Samsung 4.5 cf and have had it for 6 months and love it. No vibration, my water bill went down by half, it took me almost 4 months to go through a 100 oz bottle of tide HE because it only take a small amt of soap to clean the clothes. My clothes come out of the washer so dry, even jeans. Before it use to take 50-60 minutes to dry jeans now it take 30 minutes. SO since the dry times have been reduced that means I am using less gas to dry my clothes so there is more money I am saving. OH the yellow consumer report sticker on the machine shows it only uses $9.00 of electric a year. Yep $9.00 dollars.

So I save on water, detergent, gas, electric and time.

Oh I wash my down winter coat yesterday and I was amazed how well it washed up. Before in my top load anything with down would just float to the top of the water and never really get clean. Well this was definately wet all over and took 20 minutes to dry. And my ring around the neck was gone.

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

I am prob the minority here, but I don't like my front loader. I won't tell hubby though. My whites became notable dingy after using for a few months. And the towels.... oooh they began to stink even with only 4-6 towels, hot water and immediate removal from machine. I mean they were terrible smelling. I began to use powder detergent for the towels only and that seems to help though I don't really know why.

Anyway these couple things made me wonder if energy efficient was worth it because I didn't feel like our things were getting clean enough. So, now... there are times with really soiled loads that I run the double rinse and then a 3rd rinse just to feel like I got the dirt and grime out. Not very energy efficient if you feel you must run another rinse.

 

[hbsprite]

I also prefer top loaders.

I have severe allergies to most detergents. Although top loaders use significantly more water and energy than front loaders, in my experience they do a much better job of rinsing ALL of the detergent out of clothes.

Also, with a top loader I can add items after I have started the washer, not so with most front loaders.

 

[2Kds2K9]

I just bought a GE Front load washer and dryer. Love them. I have mine on the second floor and have very little vibration.

I purchased the Consumer Reports Magazine and with that you get a free on-line subscription for 30 days. It was the best money I ever spent.

Originally I was set on getting the GE Profile, but after reading all the comments, I changed my mind. I also was set on a steam dryer, but to me, it was not worth double the price.

My understanding with the LG's is that if they do break down, parts are very difficult to get. Also, you almost need to have them on a concrete floor.

I suggest you get the magazine and do all the research on-line. It was very enlightening for me.

Good luck!

 

[fakereadhed]

I wouldn't buy a front loader again. I can only wash 3-4 towels per load because it gets off balance so easily. The HE detergent is harder to find. You have to prop the door open to prevent mold. I am battling moldy seal right now! Grrr...

 

[SaraJayne]

I also prefer top loaders.

I have severe allergies to most detergents. Although top loaders use significantly more water and energy than front loaders, in my experience they do a much better job of rinsing ALL of the detergent out of clothes.

Also, with a top loader I can add items after I have started the washer, not so with most front loaders.

I love my front loader and will never buy a top loader again. I'm waiting for my old dryer to die so I can get a new one, but that thing just keeps on ticking.

I can add items after the load has started. Mine has a "pause" button that unlocks the door after the load has been started. I didn't know all washers didn't do that.

I've had mine for almost 3 years and I've never had any of the problems talked about in this thread. No mold (but I keep the door open after I'm finished), no smelly clothes, no having to only wash tiny loads.

 

[maxiesmom]

I just bought a new washing machine a few months ago. It is a Whirlpool top loader, and it does a nice job. It is an Energy Star rated model. You put your clothes in first, and then it uses only as much water as needed to wash that amount of clothes.

I also like that it has an extra rinse button. I have allergies, but my doggies sleep with me. So I always use that button when washing my bedding to get rid of the fur and dander. And rinse off more of the fabric softener.

 

[disneygals]

Bought a Frigidaire front loader last year. Fairly happy with it. I got in the habit of leaving the door open between loads. If I forget to take them out, I always rewash.

We use fragrance free detergent, tried Tide...ick made all the clothes smell awful. Now I'm back to using All. Bleach loads don't get as white, but for us it's mainly socks so I don't care that much.

**Question..I do huge loads so haven't really notice reduced drying time.
How long do your dryers take to do medium to heavy loads?? I hate to replace a working appliance, but think it takes forever for our clothes to dry.**

 

[becky1960]

We have a Magtag front loader, cant even hear it running, everything is cleaner and dryer, we are believers in the new front loaders, water bill dropped also..

 

[apnep]

We bought the Samsung front loaders wash/dryer and I love them. They are SO quiet, and I can put so much stuff in them. I use less detergent and the dryer is SO huge I can dry at least three loads at once. I have mine stacked and I will never do a top loader again.